Groupe Touchette adds D/C in Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Groupe Touchette Inc. has opened a distribution center in Halifax to serve the Atlantic region, marking the firm's 30th distribution center in Canada.

The company said the center, which is a leased facility, will offer improved service to customers, wider tires and a brands inventory, along with an extended delivery system adapted to the market's requirements.

This new distribution center, which represents a $1 million investment, spans more than 21,000 square feet and can warehouse close to 30,000 tires, according to Groupe Touchette. It will create three permanent positions and as many as seven more during busy seasons. That number could increase as sales volume grows, the company said.

"All of our local customers will win," said Philippe Robichaud, supervisor for the new facility. "This distribution center will enable us to provide better service, better access to products and a faster delivery capacity."

Groupe Touchette CEO Nicolas Touchette said his firm has one objective in mind: to offer customers the best possible service.

"This addition to the Atlantic region is part of our development plan and adds great value to our national coverage," Mr. Touchette said. "For the 100 largest cities in Canada, Groupe Touchette assures tire delivery in three hours or less, 90 percent of the time.

"This promise is part of the company's foundation and in an ongoing effort to improve customer service and product accessibility, Groupe Touchette strives to improve access to its products and logistical services."

Montreal-based Groupe Touchette said it is the largest Canadian tire distributor, serving manufacturers, dealers and independent customers. It handles most major brands.

It expanded its business model measurably last year, acquiring the Canadian arm of Dealer Tire L.L.C, the Cleveland, Ohio-based wholesaler dedicated to serving new car dealers.